6 Hispanic Actors That Could Play Zorro In Fox’s “Zorro Reborn”

With our ‘Zorro Reborn’ proof-of-concept trailer article, which we exclusively posted last week, there has been a plethora of speculation in Hollywood on who could become the next Zorro and lead the Latino masked fugitive into the next generation. Her then are 6 Hispanic Actors That Could Play Zorro In Fox’s “Zorro Reborn”!

ZORRO REBORN

Zorro has been played by a few people on film. Douglas Fairbanks was the first to portray him in the 1920s, and Antonio Banderas most recently in 2005. Banderas embodied the complete epitome of the character, but with the anti-hero off the screen for the last 8 years, there has been talking from 20th Century Fox, owners of the film rights, of rebooting the swashbuckling hero.

But who could take Banderas’ place? The cast for the next Zorro film has not been announced, but here are 6 Hispanic actors that could play Zorro.

But before you see our candidates, we spoke to Banderas himself about who he thinks should play Zorro in “Zorro Reborn” in the video below at minute 2:30 (the video is in Spanish): 

[youtube id=”2Z9wFqyc-go”]

Here Are Our 6 Candidates:

6. Jason Day

Since he was Alejandro Fox, a.k.a. Zorro, in the ‘Zorro Reborn’ proof-of-concept trailer, Peruvian actor Jason Day is a legitimate contender for the lead role. He has a huge advantage in that he demonstrated to casting directors already what he can do. Known mostly for Latin American indie films, Day fits the Zorro part physically. The questions around him will center on his acting skills and lack of US star power. Fox would need to greenlight the project and decide to go with an unknown protagonist in order for Day to satisfy their demands.

5. Oscar Jaenada

This Spanish actor who was cast to play Mexican icon, Cantinflas, on the big screen  might not be a household name, but his face has dressed the Hollywood big screen in a couple of big-budget productions such as “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” and “The Losers.” Oscar Jaenada not only has the perfect facial hair for the role, but he also has an elegant and lean build and possesses a serious and mysterious gaze, all reminiscent of Douglas Fairbanks’ Zorro from the 20s. Because of his work as Álvaro Mondego in the Spanish television series “Piratas,” Jaenada already has experience with swords as well as being good with women, two traits that The Zorro is undoubtedly remembered for. Unfortunately, as suave as he might be, his facial features are a bit too skinny and sharp which makes him look villainous.

4. Diego Luna

This Mexican actor/director, mostly known for his work in indie Latin American films like “Y Tu Mama Tambien” and “Rudo y Cursi,” is perhaps the frontrunner on Fox’s list to star. He’s done close to 10 Hollywood films, blockbusters, and critically acclaimed, and is a name Hollywood knows of due to films such as “Milk” and most recently, “Elysium.” Diego Luna has the sculpted face and perfect facial hair to play The Zorro. He comes from a family of artists and has been involved in the film and theater industry since he was a child, but while he does has a varied acting range, his prankster reputation and lack of physical and imposing presence could serve as a drawback. He’d have to get jacked up and show more gravitas in his demeanor to pull it off.

3. Shalim Ortiz

It’s hard not to look at the picture above and not think Shalim Ortiz isn’t already playing Zorro somewhere in the world. The “Zorro Reborn” actors will need to be muscular and have enough experience for studios to take a risk. Ortiz possesses all those qualities. This Latino actor has managed to succeed in both the Latin and North American film/television markets by playing to his strengths. Most recently, he co-starred in the Telemundo novela “Dama y Obrero” and had a supporting role in the Starz series “Magic City.” Throughout his career, he’s played the lover, the criminal, the charming, and the fearful. All of these attributes relate to The Zorro.

2. Oscar Isaac

Considered by some to be one of the best upcoming actors in the business, Guatemalan Oscar Isaac is not a natural to play Zorro.

He’s not very tall, but he can act and has industry cred. His fame is also growing. Isaac’s body of work is impressive, but he may not have the skills to make a film that requires physicality.

After his performance in “Drive” and “Agora,” he has become a very wanted actor in the indie film world. He’ll soon be starring in “Inside Llewyn Davis” from the Coen Bros. another film getting Oscar buzz.

1. Rodrigo Santoro

Santoro is one of Brazil’s most recognized actors and has been very successful in the Hollywood universe with roles in prominent films like, “Love Actually,” “300,” “Rio,” and most recently “The Last Stand.” Hands down out of all the actors on this list he is the Zorro. He has the traditional attributes of the classic Zorro and can incarnate the new characteristics of the sci-fi Zorro. He has a muscular build, but it’s not bulky like some bodybuilders. His face seems stoic and well-defined with a square jaw. He has a face full of stubble and kind eyes but they have the ability to be piercing and frightening. We think he’s perfect, but there is a clock on him. If 20th Century Fox doesn’t greenlight the project soon, they would have missed out on a great casting choice.

Those were our 6 Hispanic Actors That Could Play Zorro Reborn.   What do you think of our candidates? Is there anyone else that you would add? Share your thoughts in the comments below.